Miami quarterback Stephen Morris throws a pass against Florida State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Even in a wacky week of NFL results, only NFL handicapper Dennis Ranahan picked up a win last week when the underdog Panthers beat the 49ers.

The RGJ's three college football bettors took losses, as they hit a losing skid.

Lee Sterling's pick of Michigan fell by the wayside when Nebraska won, 17-13. Richard Chang picked the under on Iowa-Purdue and Josh Nagel picked the over on Penn State-Minnesota. Both of those were easily eclipsed in the game.

Here are this week's picks, including two bettors with the same pick.

Lee Sterling

Game: No. 22 Miami at Duke

When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU)

Pick: Miami -3.5

I'll go with a team I know inside and out: Miami. The Hurricanes never should have been ranked as high as No. 7 in the country two weeks ago, but this is still a quality team after losing star running back Duke Johnson to a season-ending injury.

Duke is riding a five-game win streak but really isn't that good of a team. Last week, Duke held a 3-point lead late and got two interception returns for TDs in a misleading 18-point victory.

Miami QB Stephen Morris seems to be healthy and has three WRs - Allen Hurns, Stacy Coley and Herb Waters - who should be able to have a lot of success against the Duke secondary, which gave up 362 passing yards to Troy and 424 to Pittsburgh.

Miami should win this game by double digits and get in contention to win the ACC Coastal Division.

Lee Sterling of Paramount Sports is considered to be one of the top five monitored handicappers in the country. He's had 21 straight winning football seasons and last year won 64 percent of his games on his executive phone service. His plays can be purchased at either www.paramountsports.com or by calling 800-400-9741.

Richard Chang

Game: Connecticut at SMU

When: Noon Saturday (ESPN3)

Pick: SMU -16

UConn has used three QBs this season, and the trio has thrown 15 picks. True freshman Tim Boyle will start; he has not thrown a TD and has eight interceptions.

The Huskies rank last in the nation in sacks allowed per game. They only average 5.88 yards per passing attempt, which is well below the national average. In their three previous road games, they were outscored 144-55.

SMU's Garrett Gilbert leads the nation in total offense and is third in passing offense. WR Jeremy Johnson leads the team with 75 catches, while Keenan Holman leads the team with six touchdowns, while averaging 16.5 per catch.

SMU will be able to move the ball and score often against a suspect defense, while the Mustang defense should be able to force turnovers, leading to short fields and easy scores.

Richard Chang is one of the most-feared bettors in the world and has captured the RGJ college handicapping challenge three years in a row. You can purchase his selections by calling 800-921-9296 or through his website at www.richardchangsports.com.

Josh Nagel

Game: No. 22 Miami at Duke

When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPNU)

Pick: Miami -3.5

Long the ACC's football doormat, Duke has overachieved under coach David Cutcliffe. The Devils managed six wins and a bowl appearance last year, and already have bettered that mark with seven wins this season.

However, last year's Duke team went from 6-2 to 6-6, and the Devils again are showing signs of wearing down. Last week, they look fatigued and determined to hand the game to N.C. State before a late turnover sealed a 38-20 win.

Ultimately, Duke's lack of depth starts to take its toll. The Devils likely will be a welcome opponent for Miami, which is coming off a brutal stretch that included losses to Florida State and Virginia Tech.

Duke will be able to move the ball and score its share of points in this one, but Miami has the edge in depth and talent, and will be motivated to get its season back on track.

Josh Nagel is the editor of RGJ's Best Bets and a veteran of the sports handicapping industry. His sports betting work has appeared in USA Today, on Covers.com and Docsports.com. He also is a regular contributor to the William Hill U.S. Sports Radio Show on ESPN 94.5 FM. Follow him on Twitter @JoshNagel1.

Dennis Ranahan

Game: Kansas City at Denver

When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday (NBC)

Pick: Broncos -8½

The Denver Broncos have put up huge offensive numbers this year, while AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs have benefited from outstanding defensive play in compiling the only still-perfect NFL record.

The Broncos don't just have a great offense - they have one of the best of all time based on the stats from the first half of this season. This offense is good enough to beat most defenses, but perhaps the only stat that truly matters this week in Denver is the Broncos come into this contest one game behind Kansas City.

The real odds of these two teams being tied at the end of play on Sunday is about 100 times better than the supposition that the Chiefs are going to pull two games ahead.

The Broncos' winning margin will most likely reveal the wisdom in the books' decision to make the only undefeated NFL team an underdog by more than a touchdown.

Dennis Ranahan is the founder of Qoxhi Picks and is in his fourth decade of delivering clients both reasons for his choices and winning point-spread results. To learn more, visit www.picksfootball.com or call 800-543-9342.

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Betting: Twice as nice for Miami pick?

Even in a wacky week of NFL results, only NFL handicapper Dennis Ranahan picked up a win last week when the underdog Panthers beat the 49ers.

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